unspeakably sick of this . . . .

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2004
unspeakably sick of this . . . .
9
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 11:36am
I am incredibly, unspeakably, unbelievably sick of this.

I track, I budget, I squeak by (barely) and it never gets any better. I can't see any light at the end of the tunnel.

I've figured out to pay my big three (mortgage, and both car payments) I need to budget $288.00 a month of our combined take-home pay. The handwriting is on the wall and guess what, there ain't no $288.00 this week to put aside for the big three. Nope. In fact, I'll have to dip into savings to make the insurance payment. I spend $163.15 last payment to daughter's orthodontist. And $51.33 on wedding expenses (two accompianment cd's for our singers), husband's glasses - the part not covered in insurance $48.00. Groceries - $70.20 at Sav a Lot(could actually go again and will probably have to on Friday, and gas $25.25 and hubby will fill up truck today (about $30.00). Had to purchase car tage $36.10, made a payment on personal loan $25.00. It all blows up in my face - every week. I don't know how we are going to survive.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-22-2003
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 3:14pm
Hey <> to you and the tough budgeting you have ahead. I can sympathise a little with this game of getting bills paid. Everytime I turned around it feels like I never have enough to budget for the unexpected bills, which I'm learning should be expected.

I would love to offer advice, but I'm sure you've looked at everyway to save $$$$ in your home, cut services to only what's essential, etc etc

You'll get through it, and I'm sure you and your husband will come to the right solution so a future can be seen.

All the best.

Avatar for cl_phocid
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Wed, 10-06-2004 - 6:32pm
(((hugs))) - I'm so sorry that things are so tight right now.

All my best,
Danni

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-21-2004
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 3:08pm
My husband and I are often in the same situation. Right now, I have exactly $13.00 in my wallet and that is $10 for my gas tank tonight and $3 toll for the bridge.We have no savings, at all. Thank God I get paid tommorrow, but that is already spent anyway. I have started selling things.. books, dvds, old toys, old clothes, anything that is not absolutley a neccesity on ebay. I am also going to have a yard sale next week and I am turning some things into a consignment shop this weekend. Do you have anything to sell? Can you have a yard sale? Can you sell some things online? I know how difficult things are, and I wish all the luck in the world. keep us posted.
Avatar for mahopac
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-1997
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 4:00pm
Oh, I hear you, I hear you! This is an all-too-familiar refrain for us as well. Last month was soooo very tight and we had nothing to fall back on, nothing - not even savings (our only savings is in a retirement plan that I can't touch, thank God).

We recently had to make some tough decisions about changing the future, because the present is so dreary when you are living paycheck to paycheck. We decided that my career needs to get into higher gear (fortunately, I have that option) so that I can get paid more, but I won't see an increase for another 6 months. We also decided that DH is going to continue working on the weekends even after that happens because we need to get ahead, not keep scrambling to keep up.

I know you have cut back your spending as much as you can, are you both working as much as you can?

Kelly

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-30-2003
Thu, 10-07-2004 - 6:08pm
Having 'been there, done that' a few times (low estimate, lol) myself, I understand the frustration. It's not a fun place to be, that's for sure.

Sometimes, when you've cut every darn thing possible, and then some, you have to realize that it's not an 'outgo' problem, it's an 'income' problem. You or your DH may have to find a part-time job to help you get through. I know that's what saved us. It's not fun to be sure, but it's what had to happen.

Hang in there-the tide will turn...it just may take awhile.

Lisa

Avatar for cl_beckymk
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 9:42am
HUGS!!!!

Becky -

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2004
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 12:29pm
Thanks for the support (and hugs)
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-21-2004
Fri, 10-08-2004 - 10:45pm
I understand how you feel. I know you will get through this. We are all here for you.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-23-2004
Sat, 10-09-2004 - 11:00am
Funny you should ask. I've just taken a second job at my local video store. It will only range from 10-20 hrs a wk. This week I will have worked 12 hrs.

My hubby's schedule won't really allow him to commit to another job - his hours vary greatly.

So, to answer your question. Yes, NOW, we are working all we can :)

I love this board. I really think I would go starking raving mad without ya'll to give me some ideas and perspective. It's great to know I'm not alone.

Thanks.